Quote Originally Posted by desslock
I'm curious - since Canadian gays enjoy marriage rights, plus you have policies of non discrimination in your military and (I assume) in workplace employment.... what are you worried about regarding Stephen Harper?

You guys have the laws in place. Are there additonal things that you or a liberal government had next to do?

Just from my observations, Harper is a pretty conservative guy, but are you sure you are representing him properly? I would also assume that there are conservative MPs who are supportive of equal rights for gays. And wouldn't the conservatives be sophisticated enough to know that if they want the power, they need to properly tune into this regarding gay rights or abortion.

If Canada would elect a conservative government that would set its priorities as decresing government spending, perhaps reforming the health system and ... something I'd love to see... improve relations with the United States, then good going.

You know if you guys deregulated your banking industry so that there were more smaller ones... like in the US ... you would have more competition and actually might have one or two that would carry adult business. Wouldn't that be nice?

The Bush Administration has screwed around with crappy policies like keeping out Canadian beef and lumber... so I would find it interesting to see how now with an idealogically friendly party running things whether they could actually create an improved atmosphere.

Steve

No I don't think that the answers are to deregulate our banking system, as that is part of why our economy is growing and yours isn't. We insure that our banks are secured, financially. Deregulation is a conservative ploy that might work in some countries, but not up here.

1. We deregulated the airline industry under Brian Mulroney, a conservative, and the result is we have only one national airline barely treading water. Before we had two solvent entities.

2. Deregulated Ontario Hydro and now it might be bought back because it isn't responsive to the needs of the people. It has made too many mistakes.

Gay Rights are set, but under our consititution, there is a 'not withstanding clause' in which the government can over rule the high court decisions such as gay rights. Stephen Harper has publicly time in and time again has said he would use that clause to end not just gay rights, but woman's right to an abortion.

In addition, Canada does not wish to become engaged in your Iraq war, Harper has stated repeatidly that he would join the Bush led war on terror, including sending troops to Iraq. The past Liberal government and this current one have refused basing their decision that occuppation of a nation without dealing with the underlying social and religious issues of that nation will not create a stable nation. Even Britain is waffling now because it was lied to.

Canada is the largest nation in the world in land mass. That in itself presents several unique situations given we have a population base of under $30 million. Deregulation of industries are not going to insure proper rail service to outlying areas, or such. That is why we have banking regulations that not only insure competition, but insure that smaller out of the way places still have access. Something deregulation removes.

In addition, Stephen Harper has clearly maintained that he wants a two tier health care system. We see how it works for the States and so again, I wouldn't vote for Stephen Harper. Our system is far from perfect, but when it comes down to it, its a 1000% better than having nearly 30% of the population having no health care as currently exists in the States.

As well, Harper has this notion that his religious views need to be mine. I am sorry, but I cannot ever vote for someone who wishes to govern by religious decree. Our past Prime Minister and this one both have the guts, tenacity and balls to admit that they don't see being gay as something great, but that it is not a reason to deny basic civil rights to those who do. Harper says that God's will must be enforced. In short, George Bush clone and we all can see how well he's done.

As to the actual vote for same sex marraige, the conservative voted against it, en masse, along with some liberals. The NDP and Bloc members voted for it, which shows this. That to begin with the Liberals were able to allow its members to vote its conscience, while the conservatives held their line or at worst, were made up of narrow minded bigots. You can take your pick.

So, no, I am not being reactionary or exaggerating the seriousness of what a Harper led government would do. It is from his own mouth, and no not ten years ago, not five even five years ago, but all within the last year in various speeches across this country.